Challenge Muslim homophobia – support LGBT+ Muslims.
Today Friday, September 21, the Peter Tatchell Foundation and LGBT+ Muslims will continue their campaign: LGBT+-Muslim Solidarity – Fight all hate by taking their message to one of the largest mosques in Britain – handing out leaflets and talking to worshippers.
Peter Tatchell, said: “Our message to mosque worshippers is that the Qur’an does not explicitly condemn homosexuality and stipulates no punishments. There is no basis in the Qur’an for the persecution of LGBT+ Muslims. Homophobic Muslims are misinterpreting the Qur’an,”
“The Qur’an states that is it the full and final word of Allah and that it requires no addition or interpretation. The anti-LGBT Hadiths and Sharia law are man-made interpretations which have no basis in the Qur’an. A true Muslim follows the Qur’an alone. We appeal to all Muslims to reject homophobia and to embrace LGBT+ Muslims as a valid and valued part of the Muslim community.”
He continued: “This solidarity campaign urges the LGBT and Muslim communities to stand together against prejudice, challenges Muslim homophobia and defends LGBT Muslims against the far right and Islamist extremists.”
Muhammad, a gay Muslim said: “Nowhere in the Qur’an does it say you should punish a gay Muslim. Too many Muslims misunderstand the story of Lut (Lot). It condemns male rape but not loving consenting same-sex relationships. This misunderstanding leads to so much suffering for LGBT+ Muslims, such as rejection by families and mosques, depression, suicide and even so-called honour killings.”
Ejel, another gay Muslim added: “It is imperative that our LGBT Muslim voices are heard and that we engage with the mainstream Muslim community. I’ve spoken in some mosques on LGBT+ issues but many mosques still don’t acknowledge and support their LGBT+ worshippers. That needs to change.”
Tehmina, a Muslim human rights activist, pointed out: “The dominant interpretations of Islam run counter to LGBT equality and contemporary human rights standards….(however) the academic work of Scott Siraj ul-Haq Kugle on Islam and homosexuality, and the new online theological resource set up by Daaiyee Abdullah, showcases that LGBT-affirming interpretations of Islam are possible.”
Event: Peter Tatchell and LGBT+ Muslims will hand out leaflets
Where: Outside Central London (Regents Park) Mosque, 146 Park Rd, Marylebone, London. Meet by the corner of Park Road and Hanover Gate and then proceeding to the adjacent mosque. MAP LINK
Time: 12.15pm
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